The highly anticipated first Test between India and England is set to commence on June 20th in Leeds, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Indian cricket team following the retirements of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. As Shubman Gill steps into the captain's role, the focus shifts to the composition of the playing XI. Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has weighed in with his predicted lineup, sparking debate and discussion among fans and experts alike.
Jaffer's predicted top order features a blend of experience and fresh talent. He has backed KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings, a pair that previously partnered during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. At the crucial No. 3 position, Jaffer suggests a toss-up between Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran, potentially handing a debut to either player. With Virat Kohli's No. 4 spot now vacant, Jaffer has entrusted the responsibility to the newly-appointed captain, Shubman Gill. The middle order comprises Rishabh Pant, who will also take up the wicketkeeping duties, and Karun Nair, who makes a comeback to the Test setup after a long hiatus. Ravindra Jadeja is the designated spin-bowling all-rounder, adding depth to both batting and bowling.
The selection dilemma intensifies when it comes to the No. 8 position, where Jaffer is torn between Shardul Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav. Shardul's all-round abilities and recent form in domestic cricket make him a strong contender, while Kuldeep's spin could be valuable depending on the conditions. Ultimately, Jaffer's pace attack consists of Jasprit Bumrah, leading the charge, supported by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
Notably absent from Jaffer's XI are Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh. Nitish Reddy, who impressed with both bat and ball during his Test debut in Australia, misses out on a spot, with Jaffer opting for Shardul Thakur as the pace-bowling all-rounder. While Nitish Reddy has shown promise, concerns about his bowling workload might have influenced Jaffer's decision. Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm seamer, is also overlooked, although Ravi Shastri suggested he could be considered if the conditions in Leeds are conducive to swing bowling.
The omission of Nitish Kumar Reddy has raised eyebrows, especially considering his impressive debut in Australia, where he scored 298 runs at an average of over 37 and also contributed with five wickets. However, Jaffer's selection of Shardul Thakur highlights the importance of having a bowler who can consistently deliver a significant number of overs.
Ultimately, the final decision rests with the team management, led by captain Shubman Gill and potentially coach Gautam Gambhir. The playing XI they choose will reflect their assessment of the conditions, the strengths of the opposition, and the overall balance they seek to achieve in the team. The first Test promises to be an intriguing battle, with both India and England eager to start their World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign on a positive note.
